Browsed byMonth: August 2012

Dr. Mercola August 14, 2012 Soda, which is loaded with sugar primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup, is a leading contributor to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases facing Americans. So when I say that drinking a can of soda is just as bad for you as smoking a cigarette (and maybe even worse), it is not an exaggeration. Drinking soda is in many ways worse for you than smoking, and…

By Loren Grush Published August 14, 2012 FoxNews.com Introduced in the 1970s, the compound triclosan has become an increasingly popular ingredient in many antibacterial soaps and other personal-care items, such as deodorants and mouthwashes. However, as the chemical’s popularity continues to grow, a recent report has raised concerns about some frightening risks that triclosan could pose to public health. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that exposure to triclosan is linked with muscle function…

“Society’s tendency is to maintain what has been. Rebellion is only an occasional reaction to suffering in human history: we have infinitely more instances of forbearance to exploitation, and submission to authority, than we have examples of revolt.” (Zinn, 1968) Have you ever wondered why society hardly ever changes? I think most of us have. One answer is that humans have a mental bias towards maintaining the status quo. People think like this all the time. They tend to go…

August 3, 2012 | By Katherine Schreiber, Greatist.comUpwards of 6 billion bacteria live inside the average human mouth. (Kiss me, now?) The wrong buildup of microorganisms in the mouth can lead to infections, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Oral bacteria can also travel into the blood stream, causing or contributing to an array of diseases that affect more than just that smile. Regular dental upkeep—flossing, brushing, mouthwashing, waterpicking, and chewing sugar-free gum—keeps these bad boys under control. Say “ahhh” –…

By Dr. Joey Shulman, DC, RNCP If you want to make a healthy change to your diet, opt for ancient grains. Our guide describes five types of ancient grains and how to use each one: spelt, amaranth, quinoa, millet and kamut. There has been a rise in the popularity of ancient grains in recent years, due largely to heightened food sensitivities and the population’s desire to become healthier. Much to my delight, it’s now possible to find quinoa dishes, spelt pizza…

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor Should you let yourself have that midnight snack if you’re having trouble sleeping and you think hunger might be part of the problem? Here are five foods that can actually help you drift off: 1. Cherries. Fresh and dried cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body’s internal clock to regulate sleep. Researchers who tested tart cherries and found high levels of melatonin recommend eating them an hour before…

Cutting back on calories is the cornerstone of any successful weight-loss plan, but as dieters can attest, that’s easier said than done.So it’s encouraging to learn that three simple strategies can provide a boost: Eat regular meals, write down everything you eat, and avoid restaurants and takeout at lunchtime.These three habits were each linked to greater weight loss in a new study of 123 overweight and obese middle-aged women, all of whom managed to shed at least a few pounds…

Diacetyl in Butter Flavoring, Beverages May Build Brain Plaque By Daniel J. DeNoon Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD WebMD Health NewsAug. 8, 2012 – The flavorant that adds buttery taste to foods and a smooth feel to beverages may also trigger Alzheimer’s disease, new studies suggest. The flavorant, diacetyl, already is linked to lung damage in people who work in microwave popcorn factories. This led many microwave popcorn makers to stop using diacetyl in their products. But now other workers exposed…

Study found those who fibbed less had fewer headaches, less anxiety By Maureen Salamon HealthDay Reporter SATURDAY, Aug. 4 (HealthDay News) – For good health, be sure to eat fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and lie as seldom as possible. A Notre Dame researcher is hoping this tongue-in-cheek advice will someday take hold, based on results of a “science of honesty” study she completed that showed tangible mental and physical health benefits among those who significantly reduced their everyday…

The frenetic pace of modern day life ignites stress hormones that keep us in a state of perpetual arousal. Here’s how to cut down on common stressors to get more shut-eye. From: Sleep to Be Sexy, Smart and Slim, Reader’s Digest Canada Manage the Electronics Few of us can survive for more than 30 minutes without being hooked up to a cell or BlackBerry at the very least. But the technological innovations that were supposed to give us more leisure…